Human Language Technology Developer

Leidos; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an HLT Developer to implement strategic objectives, integrate AI and HLT capabilities, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver scalable language technology solutions. The role emphasizes translating complex linguistic challenges into practical software and workflows, with a focus on rapid, mission-driven delivery.

The position requires senior expertise in ML, NLP, and modern programming languages, and offers opportunities to shape program strategy and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
• BS degree and at least 12 years of experience or Masters with at least 10 years of experience
• 3+ years in community translation fundamentals and SOPs
• Recent experience deploying and training ML models
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Experience with large, complex data sets
• Experience with deep learning tools (PyTorch or TensorFlow)
• Proficiency with modern programming languages (Reactjs, Nodejs, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Bash)
• Proficiency with PostgreSQL and SQL migrations, schema design, indexing, query optimization
• Knowledge of ML methodologies and frameworks like NLTK or SpaCy
• Strong linguistics knowledge and ability to translate complexity into solutions

Responsibilities

• Develop applications and APIs to improve workflow
• Design solutions for challenging data types
• Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams
• Analyze language processing needs and propose efficient solutions
• Prototype HLT systems based on mission needs
• Integrate Leidos technology into program HLT efforts
• Ensure high-quality translation, interpretation, and transcription support

Skills

Reactjs

Nodejs

JavaScript/TypeScript

Python

Bash

Education

BS degree in a technical field

MS degree (preferred)

Doctorate in technical domain (preferred)

Tools

PostgreSQL

SQL

PyTorch

TensorFlow

NLTK

SpaCy

Job description

Leidos is posting for an immediate fill position for a HLT Developer. The HLT Developer will implement strategic objectives to ensure that the HLT project is in line with program, corporate, and customer technical requirements and goals. The HLT Developer will perform horizontal integration planning with other functional areas and ensure HLT testing, solutions and schedules are implemented in a timely manner. The HLT Developer will be responsible for the execution of multiple initiatives to refresh and expand the HLT solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop applications, writing and maintaining source code, applying frameworks involved in a software release, developing APIs to improve workflow and integrate new resources into existing HLT / AI tools.
• Design bespoke technical solutions to process challenging or unfamiliar data types.
• Recommend, develop, evaluate, and integrate Human Language Technology (HLT) capabilities
• Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams in developing AI and HLT solutions.
• Analyze language processing needs and recommend innovative solutions for cost and labor efficiency.
• Innovate and prototype HLT systems or components based on priority workflow and operational mission needs.
• Recommends and develops new technical solutions, products, and/or standards in support of program strategy and operations.
• Evaluate technology solutions in the context of mission data and workflow needs, providing actionable recommendations.
• Convey complex ideas to non-technical audiences through briefings and/or white papers.
• Be a leading voice on HLT within the customer and Leidos organization.
• Be an HLT mentor to all new program employees.
• Integrate Leidos technology to program HLT efforts as appropriate.
• Work across the program and with the customer to ensure consistent, quality translation, interpretation, and transcription support through HLT initiatives.

At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Original Posting: October 21, 2026

Basic Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph BS degree and at least 12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with at least 10 years of prior relevant experience.
• May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• 3+ years of demonstrated knowledge of community translation fundamentals and standard operating procedures
• Recent experience deploying and training machine learning models.
• Proven ability to work independently and make good decisions with minimal direction.
• Experience working with large, complex data sets.
• Experience working with deep learning tools, like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Proficiency with modern programming languages such as Reactjs, Nodejs, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, bash command-line tools.
• Proficiency with PostgreSQL and SQL database migrations, Schema design, indexing, query optimization.
• Knowledge of various machine learning methodologies and frameworks like NLTK or SpaCy.
• Solid understanding of linguistics, grammar, syntax, and the nuances of human language.
• Ability to analyze complex linguistic challenges and develop creative, technical solutions.
• Knowledge of and experience in prototyping/developing human language technology components/systems.
• Ability to apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to human language technology processing challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate challenging technical concepts to both lay and expert audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams and users.
• Develops solutions that are highly innovative and achieved through research and integration of best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic proficiency in one or more foreign languages
• Experience in greenfield software development, and building APIs (FastAPI for AI services)
• Experience training machine translation engineers and/or OCR language models
• Experience modifying open-source code to fit specific use cases
• Experience training and fine-tuning AI models
• Experience gathering / creating AI training data sets
• Knowledge of containerization for software distribution across diverse system environments
• Experience working with Agile Scrum Development
• Experience supporting and optimizing AI production applications, RAG pipelines, LangChain / LangGraph for agentic workflows
• Experience working with AWS cloud computing solutions
• #MSBA

Pay Range

Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.